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Sense of Security Most important for Older People Receiving Care at Home

England’s population is both growing and ageing as people live longer. Latest figures show that by mid-2011 England’s population was at its highest level, at an estimated 53.1 million, of which 8.7 million people were aged 65 or over and 1.2 million were 85 or over. With these figures come challenges, where the NHS tackles how best to address the care and treatment needs of older people. Those living at home with complex health problems and disabilities are at high risk of unplanned hospital admission. They often rely on good inter-professional working – a combination of support from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and social workers, as well as care workers.

A new study led by Professor Claire Goodman from the University’s Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care (CRIPACC) has found that older people living at home believe they get more effective healthcare services when they have a sense of security and continuity of care through a key or specific professional.

The three year study, in collaboration with St. George’s University of London, Kingston University, University College London, King’s College London and University of Surrey, was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research (NIHR HS&DR) Programme and published by the NIHR.